To support community wellness in South Pacific County through active collaborations

On Wednesday May 23rd, South Bend School District sent their 7th grade class down to Ocean Park Camp & Retreat Center for another run at the low ropes course. Part of their Gear Up: College Readiness Grant, approximately 35 students and four chaperones spent the day on the course improving their “10 Essential Skills”.

“It’s always interesting to bring a group back on the course,” said Gracie Manlow, lead Adventure Day facilitator. “This particular group of students went on our Bruceport course in fall of 2016, so it was fun to host them at a new site, but still practice the same skills.”

Sponsored by the Pacific County Public Health and Human Services and fueled by many amazing community volunteers, Adventure Day was developed as an opportunity for the youth in our community to learn important life lessons known as the “10 Essential Skills.” These skills include: communication, cooperative team work, self-esteem, self-confidence, risk taking, relationship building, decision making, conflict resolution, goal setting, and leadership. ​

One of the obstacles, known as “Prouty’s Landing” is a favorite of many students. This challenge requires the group to move the entire team across an imaginary canyon using a rope that is secured to a cable which is suspended between two trees. Each team member must swing from one side of the “canyon” landing on a platform on the other side. This challenge requires teamwork, decision making, and planning in order to complete the element.

“Of course there are groups that struggle to complete the goals on the challenges,” Manlow said. “But success isn’t always measured in winning or finishing the obstacle, it’s about using those essentials skills to assess and solve a problem.”

Another popular activity called the “Swamp Crossing” involves moving the entire group through a ‘swamp’ using only a limited number of boards and boxes. Students must use creative and quick thinking to complete the activity under the time limit.

“Integrating low ropes course obstacles with the development of these fundamental skills is an intentional learning opportunity for our students,” Manlow said. “We are affording the youth in our area the ability to make valuable life decisions regarding academic success and healthy life choices.”

Pacific County Health and Human Services would like to thank all the volunteer facilitators who spent the day working with kids and making a difference. The facilitators included: Tessa Clements, Becky Fischer, Bree Shinkle, Robyn Handley, Peter McNamara, Kathryn Staats, Rachel Rule, Lauren Dean, Brandon Scheer, Mike Geer-Wagenblast, Carly Castaneda, and Gracie Manlow. The department also extends thanks to Brandon Scheer, manager of the Ocean Park Methodist camp, for his hospitality, assisting in facilitating, and help in setting up the course Adventure Day use.

Upon request, the low ropes course can be made available for other school and community groups who serve youth. For more information, please call Gracie Manlow at Pacific County Health and Human Services at 360-875-9343.